I saw a Gary Larson “Far Side” cartoon recently which I understood. It was set in a cave-like place—dark, dingy—you could feel the chill of the damp air, just looking at it. A row of people are marching into the cave—all sorts of people—well-dressed, shabbily dressed—men, women. Over against the wall of the cave, the devil stands. You know it’s the devil. He has horns, a tail, and a pitchfork. He is surveying his patrons as they enter, a look of glee on his face.

On the wall behind him is a poster. It’s one of the most obvious things in the cartoon. Those entering this cave-like place, which obviously is hell—can’t miss it. The beautifully lettered message on the poster is this: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

Some of you may think it terrible to begin an All Saints Da…